MLB Rumors

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt matched a career high with four hits Monday during an 8-0 win over the Nationals. Belt also hit his sixth home run of the season.

He went 4 for 5 with four runs scored. Belt singled three times and added a solo blast in the fifth off Craig Stammen. The four-hit game gives Belt a .261 average. He had four hits total in his previous five games combined. 

Orioles manager Buck Showalter once again backed closer Jim Johnson Monday after he blew his third consecutive save, MLB.com reports.
Johnson can't help but take all the blame for much of Baltimore's current six-game losing streak.

"Well, three of them are my fault. The other guys do their job and I do mine, then we’re not standing here," Johnson said. "I think everybody’s doing a great job. I’m just not pulling my weight. And I’ll figure it out."

Johnson went on to reason that he's leaving the ball up and over the plate.

"That seems to be the common thing lately," Johnson said. "Just not making the adjustment. I’m trying. You know, doing everything. I’m going to work through it. Just like anybody else would. I just need to execute, you know. Balls are coming up, hittable. Just make better pitches."

The Giants have announced starter Ryan Vogelsong will undergo surgery Tuesday for a break in the pinkie knuckle and one other spot in his right hand, MLB.com reports. 

Vogelsong, who ended up winning his start Monday to improve to 2-4 on the year, will miss 4-6 weeks following surgery. 

The Texas Rangers optioned catcher Robinson Chirinos to Triple-A Round Rock Monday. Chirinos is clearing the way for A.J. Pierzynski's return from the DL Tuesday. 

Chirinos had three hits over 12 at-bats as the backup catcher while Pierzynski was on the shelf. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was back in action after missing two games due to a bruised left knee. Harper went hitless in the loss to the Giants. 

The 20-year-old went 0 for 4 with a strikeout in his first game since May 17. He's batting .288 on the year with 11 homers and 22 RBI. He's also struck out 26 times. 

Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval played through a bout of the flu Monday, MLB.com reports. Sandoval's condition is considered mild, as he picked up two hits against the Nationals in an 8-0 win. 

Sandoval went 2 for 5 with two singles and is batting .305. He's recorded six hits in his last four games and is up to 32 RBI on the year. 

Giants center fielder Angel Pagan was able to overcome his bout with the flu Monday against the Nationals during an 8-0 victory, MLB.com reports. 

Pagan had to take batting practice just to prove he was able to play. Manager Bruce Bochy was calling him a "game-time decision." 

Pagan led off and went 2 for 5 in the game with a double and three RBI. He scored a run and is batting .260. Pagan drove in a run with a double in the fourth inning and added two more RBI with a single to center in the seventh. 

Nationals pitcher Zach Duke took the place of Ross Detwiler Monday in San Francisco. He didn't get any run support in the 8-0 loss, but things didn't go so well for Duke, either. 

Duke (0-1) took the defeat as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits and no walks spanning just 3 1/3 innings before giving way to Craig Stammen. He struck out just one and threw 58 pitches. 

The 30-year-old has made 10 appearances this season for Washington but this was his first as a starter. It is also likely his last for a while. His ERA is now at 8.84 on the year with a 1.80 WHIP. 

Padres starter Jason Marquis could have been more economical with his pitches Monday against the Cardinals. Still, he was able to patch enough together to earn the win. 

Marquis improved to 6-2 on the year with a 3.27 ERA as he allowed just two runs -- one earned -- around three hits and four walks. He threw 93 pitches and lasted just six innings despite the low hit total. Marquis struck out three. 

The 34-year-old has given up three earned runs in his last three starts over 19 innings despite nine walks. In fact, Marquis is on a five-start winning streak. Rolling since his last loss coming way back on April 22, Marquis makes his next start Sunday in Arizona. 

Padres closer Huston Street notched his 11th save Monday against the Cardinals,

Street made it look easy with a 1-2-3 ninth. 

He needed 12 pitches as he threw nine for strikes lowering his ERA to 4.19. Street, who has saves in two straight games since suffering his last loss, has been a bit shaky at times this season. Still, he's 11 for 12 in save chances.